This past weekend, SouthWest Judo Academy was proudly represented by 14 of our members at the 2025 Kodokan Judo Seminar, where we had the incredible opportunity to train under world-class instructors from The Kodokan, the birthplace of judo.
With Olympic Champion Haruka Tachimoto (6th Dan), Hiroyuki Hirano (8th Dan), and Hirofumi Otsuji (7th Dan) leading the sessions, our members gained invaluable insights into both technical and kata aspects of judo. From refining fundamental techniques like Ouchi-gari and Sode Tsurikomi Goshi to deepening our understanding of nage-no-kata and katame-no-kata, this seminar provided an unparalleled opportunity for growth.
We were thrilled to have Olivia Knights, Cody Robinson, Keenan Aplaten, Georgia Aiesi, Shane Rigby, Jared Cowell, Daniel Stevens, Simon Read, Thomas Knights, Nate Stevens, Marlee Mickle, Aramiti Graham George-Hetaraka, Giulioantonio Gerace, Perry Lugg, and Jacob Read representing SouthWest Judo Academy on the mat. Their dedication and commitment to improving their judo was evident throughout the three-day event.
A huge thank you to Judo Western Australia, Judo Australia, and The Kodokan for making this incredible opportunity possible. The support from Judo Australia’s PlayWell funding initiative allowed WA judoka to learn from some of the best in the world, further strengthening our connection to the Kodokan and the roots of judo.
This was an unforgettable experience, and we are proud to have had such a strong presence at this landmark event.
